BACK-ON Celebrate 20th Anniversary with TOTALFAT Collab Single ‘1994’!

Popular rock band BACK-ON continues its 20th anniversary celebrations with the release of new single ‘1994 featuring TOTALFAT’. The release is the second within as many months to feature a band of similar age, style and history as BACK-ON. As with last month’s single with FLOW, both bands have experienced millions of streams, had songs featured in well-known anime’s franchises, and have fans all over the globe. The single is available to download and stream now.

TOTALFAT, whose vibe METAL HAMMER describes as containing “the best parts of 90’s skate punk”, are of the same generation as BACK-ON. Members of both bands hold fond memories of 1994 and bonded over the music and street culture of the time. The results found their way into the song’s music and lyrics.

The single is coupled with ‘WAVES (TEEDA’s BEAT JACK)’ and sees BACK-ON’s MC TEEDA rework the entire lyrical structure of the song. The original version of ‘WAVES’, found on latest album Still B/O was picked by official editors at Spotify for the platform’s Pop Punk’s Not Dead playlist, which has over half-a-million likes.

BACK-ON guitarist KENJI03 comments, “1994 was the year of Green Day’s ‘Basket Case’, Oasis’ ‘Supersonic’ and countless other tracks that would shape a generation. Times may have changed, but I’m glad we could share our timeless connection to this era alongside TOTALFAT.”

BACK-ON MC TEEDA comments, “It was a ton of fun to make a song with TOTALFAT, especially in the same year as our 20th anniversary. We could record while reminiscing about all the bands and fashion of when our bands first started. It felt like we were back in those days again! I think the end result is packed with references to our roots, while also full of playfulness.”

On the single’s coupling track ‘WAVES (TEEDA’s BEAT JACK)’, TEEDA also comments, “there was a lot of skate culture mixed with other cultures in the early 2000s, so I thought it would be interesting to mix that sound with contemporary rap. I also played around with the song’s hook, and worked it to have a West Coast vibe. Both tracks on this single are perfect for summer, I hope they’re the soundtrack to yours!”

Shun from TOTALFAT says, “The longer we go on, the more we look back and realise how important our roots are. Creating ‘1994’ helped to remind me that BACK-ON and TOTALFAT have been able to keep going strong because our foundation never fades. Above all, the joy of celebrating the 20th anniversary of BACK-ON by collaborating with our dear friends of the same generation is something special. BO and TF never die! Happy 20th anniversary, from the bottom of my heart!”

Jose from TOTALFAT adds, “I really enjoyed singing with BACK-ON because the sounds and words they create are filled with many elements that resonate with me because of being the same generation and having similar roots. I think this song is truly a song filled with the stuff us 1994 kids can connect with. I hope you enjoy this song this summer!”

: Seductive Girl Group FAKY Release Music Video for Cute, Sexy New Song ‘Choco Fudge’!

“Choco Fudge” Jacket Cover

On July 27, seductive Japanese girl group FAKY released a raunchy music video for their new song ‘Choco Fudge’, the second pre-release single to be taken from their upcoming debut full-length album ‘F’, due October 19. And it has set the internet on fire.

FAKY are a girl group – or “girls’ union” to their fans in Japan – made up of five members of various nationalities with a diverse selection of roots and styles. Their ‘CANDY’ EP reached No.3 on the iTunes all-genres album chart behind only Ariana Grande and Radiohead, and entered the Top 10 of the Spotify Viral Top 50 chart in the United States. The group have also performed successful overseas concerts in countries such as Brazil, Canada and Spain. After joining the group in 2019, members Hina and Taki gained a huge fan base among teens after they appeared on the popular romance reality series ‘Who is the wolf?’ on streaming video service ABEMA, taking the group’s domestic success to all new heights. 

The theme of FAKY’s new song ‘Choco Fudge’ is “erotic chill”. The track was co produced by Sweater Beats, who has worked with CL (2NE1) and Lizzo as well as with FAKY on their single ‘Sayonara My Ex’; and SUNNY BOY, who has worked with BTS and ØMI (Hiroomi Tosaka of J SOUL BROTHERS III from EXILE TRIBE), as well as writing the lyrics for FAKY’s recent single ‘Diamond Glitter’. It was co-written by FAKY members Lil’ Fang and Akina.

As a partner song to their 2016 single ‘Candy’, it is a cute and naughty pop track that coats its spicy intentions in sweet chocolate for ultimate temptation – perfect listening for a lazy day.

The music video begins with the five members of FAKY eating chocolate in their bedroom. As they hit a sugar high from the mysterious chocolate, things become ever more surreal: The world in front of their eyes begins to warp, they are suddenly able to use magic, and the bedroom floor floods with sumptuous pools of molten chocolate. Combined with the girls’ red-hot lingerie outfits, the video shows both the cute and sexy sides of FAKY.

The music video was directed by Takuto Shimpo, who also worked with FAKY on their previous video ‘Diamond Glitter’. Shimpo won the Best Japanese Group Video Award at the MTV Video Music Awards Japan 2021 for his video for Official Hige Dandism’s ‘Cry Baby’, as well as the Best Video Director Award at the Space Shower Music Awards 2021. The new video is filled with the retro texture and conceptual vibe typical of Shimpo’s work.

The release of the video set fans ablaze on social media, with comments like “It’s so cute, and sexy too – an awesome song that shows so many sides of FAKY!”, “FAKY’s sex appeal is off the charts!” and “They look amazing, and I can’t wait for the album”.

Keep an eye on FAKY as they gain momentum in the runup to their first full-length album release in October.

Sweet and chill new song ‘Choco Fudge’ is tearing up your favorite streaming service here, with the music video below!

CHOKE releases a shot of Trap metal with “Crisis Phase” and announces new album

Nu-metal band CHOKE unleashed the music video for “Crisis Phase”, which serves as a prelude for their long-awaited new album “CHOKE3” coming this fall. The band has been defying the limits of genres with their experimental music, staying true to themselves with every release. “Crisis Phase”, written and composed by vocalist/rapper REON, can be described as the outcome of the great impact of Trap Metal in CHOKE’s style over the years. Although is simpler compared with all previous works, it integrates heavy details resulting in a trap song with explosive energy.

Artists such as Ghostemane and Scarlxrd have been expanding Trap Metal throughout the underground scene and taking it into a new form of extreme music in recent years. Since this style was born out of elements from Nu-Metal and Industrial Metal, it was natural for CHOKE to take influence from it. This time, guitarist KVYA NONO (who has been the composer of all the songs released so far), was only in charge of the arranging and mixing, entrusting all the composing to rapper REON. This is only one of the positive changes in the direction that the band has been taking.

In addition to the music video for “Crisis Phase”, the band announced the release of a new album after three years, “CHOKE3”. This will come out in October 2022 and, like its sold-out predecessor, it’s expected to be in high demand. The band will be celebrating their fifth anniversary with the event “BEEF” on August 5 in Tokyo, featuring a line-up of unique aggressive acts that aligns with CHOKE’s style.

CHOKE has just unveiled the tip of the iceberg of what “CHOKE3” will be like. Stay tuned to see the whole scenario that the new album will portray and be sure to check out the music video for “Crisis Phase” below!

WITHDOM released official cover song of Tatsuro Yamashita’s worldwide favorite song, “RIDE ON TIME”!!

WITHDOM is a four-member vocal group which was formed in Kyoto. Kyoto is the most famous city in Japan as a destination for sightseeing for foreigners and they worked as, “Visit Kyoto Ambassadors”. Their performance is recognized highly by many artists around the world and the members of Boyz II Men introduced their cover of, “On Bended Knee”. The video was introduced and spread widely by their Instagram followers.

In November 2021, WITHDOM released a cover song, “Gunjou'' by YOASOBI. YOASOBI is a Japanese artist who is very popular among anime fans and generation Z worldwide.
This news spread all over the world, including among the States, Indonesia, Thailand, Brazil. Their name was known widely. In March 2022, WITHDOM released their digital single and their new song, “Tetris” which was then selected for playlists by Spotify and Apple Music. The song “Tetris” was ranked as 10th for the first time on J-POP weekly charts of DJFM, which is the FM radio station of Surabaya, Indonesia. Their news was on more than 20 websites around the world including Indonesia, the States, France, German, Korean, Mexico, Hong Kong. Their release of the official cover song “Gunjou” helped them gain more popularity in the world.

RIDE ON TIME(Cover) Jacket Cover

On Wednesday the 20th of July, WITHDOM released, “RIDE ON TIME(Cover),” by Tatsuro Yamashita on Spotify, Apple Music and other streaming sites. This song is a typical summery song and Tatsuro Yamashita is a legendary artist of City Pop in Japan. WITHDOM didn’t lose the coolness and light rhythm of “City Pop” in their cover, a characteristic feature of the original song. They even gave the song a more pop and danceable sound with the arrangement of adding a “New Jack Swing” beat modestly.Also, they show off their ability as a vocal group by singing the lead vocals one by one. They succeeded in singing the chorus beautifully and they showed a different charm to the original.

WITHDOM released their music video of, “RIDE ON TIME (Cover)” on their official YouTube Channel. The video has the freshness of summer and a light movement which invites people to dance both physically and mentally. The video has a selection of subtitles in different languages including English, Indonesian, French, German, Portuguese, Spanish, Thai. Both the, “RIDE ON TIME (Cover)” and “Tetris”, which was released in March, have been released not only inside Japan but worldwide. 

Japanese pop music called “City Pop”, which was formed in the 1970s and 1980s, has been coming back since the beginning of its revival in 2010. Japanese artists from City Pop have been gaining popularity. The artists' names include Tatsuro Yamashita, Mariya Takeuchi, Anri, Toshiki Kadomatsu, Yumi Matsutoya. These are all famous names in Japan.

For example, Indonesian artists Rainych covered the song, “Stay With Me” by Miki Matsubara, and the song ranked No.1 on the viral chart on Spotify. This created a big boom of City Pop music outside of Japan and this movement is still happening.

Japanese new artists also started to cover songs by City Pop. A new generation of artists started to create songs which were influenced by City Pop. Those “New City Pop” songs were created and released massively. There are many hits from New City Pop.

JUK3BOX Jacket Cover

WITHDOM’s songs also have the taste of “New City Pop” and their songs including “Tetris”, “Hey Girl”, and “Vampire” are all gaining popularity through various streaming sites such as Spotify. “Tetris” has ranked on J-POP weekly charts of DJFM in Indonesia, and “Tetris”, “Hey Girl” and “Vampire” are all in the Mini Album “JUK3BOX”.

Producer TATSUYA smartly mixed the amazing old sounds with the latest music seamlessly. His cutting edge sense has been recognized highly. “WITHDOM” has formed in Kyoto and they worked as, “Visit Kyoto Ambassadors”. They have collaborated with the beautiful, famous scenery of Kyoto and companies in Kyoto. For example, they did a live show at a famous garden in Kyoto. The garden was built in 1300 and is situated in a temple. They are the first artists to do a live show in it.

They released a live performance on YouTube at the special stage on the Arashiyama station. There was a famous art installation called “Kimono Forest” and the live show was streamed to the world. The train line is called Keifuku Randen Tram Line.

WITHDOM’s song is used as the theme song for the weather forecast in a news program in Japan. They were introduced as an upcoming new artist on a TV program nationwide in June. WITHDOM’s music embraces the unique world of Japanese esthetique. They are good at singing all kinds of music including JPOP, New City Pop and Ballads.
Their activity is getting great attention inside and outside of Japan! Be sure to check out “RIDE ON TIME” on Apple Music, Spotify along with the music video below!

Soaring Japanese boy band BE:FIRST hit No.1 US Billboard Hot Trending Songs triumph with release of ‘Scream’, the lead single from upcoming debut album ‘BE:1’! Music video also released!

BE:1 Jacket Cover

Having taken the No.1 spot on the US Billboard Hot Trending Songs chart, the soaring Japanese boy band BE:FIRST are preparing to release their long-awaited debut album BE:1 on August 31, 2022. But fans won’t have to wait to hear new music from BE:FIRST – they have now released ‘Scream’, the lead single from the album, along with a music video.

‘Scream’ is an intense exhilarating dance track that shows a challenging new side of BE:FIRST. The song is produced by the power duo of SUNNY BOY, known for songs for artists including BTS, BLACKPINK, BIGBANG, 2NE1, Namie Amuro, Daichi Miura, and SKY-HI; and Maxx Song, the leading K-pop producer behind BoA, Red Velvet, TWICE and more. The track features lyrics by SKY-HI that proclaim the dawn of a new era – perfectly fitting for the lead single from the debut album BE:1.

The track is accompanied by an energetic music video based on the idea of “returning to the new normal” in a world where self-restraint and other limitations still continue; it interprets the title ‘Scream’ as a thirst for liberation, with visuals that show the catharsis of loudly screaming one’s desires. The video tells the story of the members of BE:FIRST overcoming the oppressive world of “walls”, “rules” and “fear”, to face the future and advance to the highest stage. 

The dance elements were choreographed by Kazuki (s**t kingz), who took first place in the leading United States dance contest BODY ROCK in 2010 and 2011 as a member of s**t kingz. Look out for dance performances that showcase the energy of the group and the cool series of individual shots that highlight the skills of each member.

BE:FIRST’s official YouTube account has already surpassed an astonishing 200 million views despite its opening seven short months ago. In addition to music videos, dance practice videos, and livestreams, the channel also features the ‘You’re My “BESTY”’ series, which shows a glimpse of each member’s unique character and natural vibes. Videos in the series are subtitled in multiple languages so that fans around the world can appreciate the charms of BE:FIRST first-hand, as well as listen to their music.

Be sure to check out the music video for ‘Scream’ below along with the streaming link for the track here!